A Feng Shui bedroom, a retro bathroom, a cottage kitchen; there’s so many creative ways to perk up the look of your home. But if the costs of your next home reno just aren’t adding up for you, it’s time to get equally creative with ways to save, and it starts with supplies. Here are seven tips to help you save on building supplies for your next big project.
- Time is Right
Upgrading your kitchen or bathroom? The new year is your best time to buy … you’ll find some great buys as retail is slower (after the Christmas rush) and sales are plentiful. Building a deck or a gazebo for your garden ….??…. then aim to buy in late summer or fall. Time your project after the season is over, because that’s when stores deep-discount their supplies to make room for the next season’s materials.
- Don’t Underestimate Estimates
Get at least three estimates for your project to ensure you’re getting the best value. Ask each contractor to break their quote down between labour and materials. Make sure you’re not charged for any materials that go unused or can be returned.
- Think Outside the Box-store
When shopping for supplies, get creative. Think liquidation stores that often have low-prices on overstocked materials, classified ads where people may have leftover supplies, and second hand building supply stores. We find a wonderful resource is the ReStore in Collingwood with the added bonus being the money you spend there goes toward Habitat for Humanity. Win/win !
- Don’t Pay for the Load
Having a store transport your building supplies can be very expensive. If possible, transport the supplies yourself or rent a discount truck or trailier to save on the costs.
- Save on the Small Things
If a contractor’s quote exceeds your budget, negotiate a better price by offering to take care of some of the smaller tasks that you have the skill set to take on. Perhaps you can help with the clean up, the painting, the picking up of supplies, or even the light demolition duties – if you’re willing to get dirty.
- Use the Internet for Hard-To-Find Fixtures
Can’t find the perfect pot lights, retro curtain rods, or the most fitting faucet? The Internet online stores put a huge selection of hard-to-find products at your fingertips. Look for specials with daily deal sites, seek out coupon and promotional codes that can give you deep discounts during checkout, and ensure you’re comfortable with the company’s return policy and shipping costs BEFORE you buy.
- Ask and You May Receive!
Never be afraid to ask for a discount, especially when making large or bulk purchases. If working with a contractor, ask for a better price if you offer to give them a testimonial or write a blog for their website.
How exciting it is to live and play here in the Southern Georgian Bay! As life-long residents and their 30+ tenure selling real estate in our area, Chad and Scott are so familiar with this beautiful area as well as our brisk and ever-changing market. They would be honored to be your local real estate market specialists and can best assist you with YOUR specific real estate needs. Contact them … Chad at 705-443-9444 (Chad@WasagaRealEstate.com) OR Scott at 705-446-6602 (Scott@WasagaRealEstate.com). The Campbell Team would feel privileged to help make your real estate dreams come true!
Linda Campbell, Marketing Manager for The Campbell Team